Sulphur Hexaflouride (SF6) Management Strategy in Transgrid’s HV Transmission Network

(GWP) of SF6 is significant and is 23,500 times greater than carbon dioxide (C02) [2]. To minimise the impact of SF6 leaks to the environment, utilities require effective management strategies for the operation, maintenance, and disposal of SF6 filled network equipment.

Furthermore, Transgrid has adopted a net zero strategy requiring significant reductions in carbon emissions, of which SF6 is a significant contributor. Transgrid has developed a balanced investment approach for implementing SF6 management practices and investigation of SF6 alternatives, to fulfil its environmental and network reliability objectives. This paper provides an overview of the key strategic areas of focus and decisions that Transgrid has adopted as part of its SF6 management strategy. Official The key challenges to developing an optimum SF6 management approach to fulfil Trangrid’s environmental and network reliability objectives are the young age of many of our SF6 assets and the need to utilise the expected long life to keep capital expenditure low for consumers, the lack of guiding legislative incentives, and the product maturity barriers of new technologies. To position ourselves as a global leader in excellent asset management of SF6 equipment,

Transgrid has selected three key strategic themes under which various initiatives are planned:

monitor, manage, and replace. These strategic themes and the associated initiatives are outlined in this paper, including relevant learnings and expected benefits. This paper outlines the key challenges, areas of focus, learnings, and outcomes of Transgrid’s balanced approach to developing an SF6 management strategy to achieve a reliable, affordable and eco-friendly network.